Chapter two

Chapter twoNoel Faustit was the morning of my first day attending an academy I was all too used too. And I was trying desperately to cover up the tattoo on my face.I bore the same mark as the murderer.Though my crucible was under my right eye.this wasn't there when the bastard showed me myself in the mirror.I sighed. At the end of the day, I'm alive again. I can see her again. More than anything I need to make sure she's okay."Reginald, this is a weird question, but have there been any murders recently?"I admit, my deduction and investigative skills clearly need work.But the cheerful, silver haired older man that swore himself to me and has been attending to this 'Noel' since I was a child said no request was too much."Hmm, as far as I'm concerned, it's been at least a month since the last of a string of killings. Which does mean that the perpetrator is due another soon! Do be careful, though with your extraordinary abilities, wit, and me by your side, naturally, I'm more than confident you'll be alright, Lord Noel."It's...weird that I remember him so well. The morning I acquired this body, I screamed, and threw all fifteen pillows that were on my bed at him when he entered.But as the day went on, an entire lifetime was pushed into my brain alongside my previous one. So much so that dying felt fresh, but also like a long time ago.Reginald was an old fox of a man. Seemingly capable of doing everything. To say he was the perfect butler would remind me a bit too much of a different one I've heard of.He seemed to know everything, while also having prepared for everything. He was incredibly happy, all the time, which...was refreshing. The memories tell me he's just been like that. Like he came out of the box happy to be alive.Kind of reminds me of myself, I guess. It's only now that I'm not by Silica's side that I feel this overwhelming sense of dread.The week has passed by smoothly otherwise. I came to find that the Faust Family is one of seven royal families. Faeryn being the most recent addition.So I was bound to see Silica soon enough.I hadn't met my supposed parents yet. I didn't know if they existed. Reginald said I had two older siblings as well."Can you help make sure this mark is completely concealed?" I said, putting the makeup down. I didn't know what any of it was, or how it worked in the slightest.Reginald smiled. Moving toward me as I sat in a chair, large mirror in front of me."It does puzzle me why my Lord would suddenly want to cover up such a brilliant mark, but far be it from me to question my master's decision.""You just did.""Though I must say. You look ravishing regardless, Lord Noel. Perhaps it's to mask the envy that's sure to arise bearing the mark of the goddess?"What? My memories never said anything about a mark of a goddess."How long have I had this mark again? You're saying it's not just a normal tattoo?"My head began to pound immediately upon asking.Then something strange happened.He ignored my question. Entirely. What spoke next was no longer Reginald. It was the creature."Hey Noel! How's the new life!"I nearly fell as I scrambled out of the chair. "Do not do that!" I stammered. "So what, you don't want me to find out who killed me?""Oh, did I interrupt during an integral point? My apologies, you see, Noel, I actually have your first sinner assignment. Reginald is the only mortal coil I can inhibit, so things just lined up how they did, I guess!"I sighed. "Sure. What is it, then?""Well, you'll have to find out! After your first day, head to the market district alleyway in lower Caedril. There's a soul that desperately needs to be put to rest, lest it cause an Eldyr event. You know the drill, kbye!""Wait, why didn't you tell me about the crucible?" I say as I pick myself back up."Lord Noel, are you alright?" Reginald's voice responded."Never change, Reginald." I said.Whatever. Now that I've got this second chance. Nothing will stop me from finding here. Time for school.-- Silica FaerynI'd been locked in my room for ages. None dared bother me. I simply waited.It would seem today is finally the day she comes home.Artie's mother. Beatrice. She's the only one I can get answers from.I've been mulling it over this entire time, how could the murderer have known where the two live? Beatrice is a secret operative working for my father. Artie even walks to and from school from Frostmoore.It doesn't make any sense. I wish I was there, I wish I never let him go off alone.There's a knock at the door. It's strong, heavy handed."Come in." I said. My room was needlessly large. With mist stained windows and an entire study on the left end. I was sitting in one of the chairs, writing down anything I could to get to the bottom of this.She entered. Rushing toward me.I felt her arms wrap around me. She was warm. I could tell she'd been crying.An elven guard remained at the door. "Leave us." I said to them."Sil...I know you're not...I know we're not okay. But you haven't eaten in a week, your father told me he...hears you mumbling at night." Beatrice started. Wiping tears from her face."I need to find who did t-"She shook me. Hard."Silica.""I..." I choked on my words."they took him from me" I managed. I fought back the tears. My voice remained devoid of emotion. I couldn't allow it."Cry. Silica. Please""No..." I was already crying. I repeated the words over and over again. As if I could dispell the cruel reality.This isn't what I wanted, I wanted to find out more, learn more.I don't want to cry. Every tear that falls makes it all the more real.I didn't remember much, after that. Eventually I was on my bed, Beatrice patting my head as we sat next to one another."I...loved him for so long. I was so happy when I found out he felt the same. I should have just confessed when we were kids." I said quietly. "That silly, goofy boy that could talk and never run out of words." I smiled. "I wish I could shown him my smile more. Miss Beatrice.""Sil... you'll always be my daughter. Artie will always be watching us. We have a saying among the Fennar." She wrapped her arms around me. "Naastar'aya, Never gone. He's with the Eldyr now. It has mysterious ways of working too, Sil. This force.""Miss Beatrice, have you known about anyone finding your home any time recently?" I asked."You seek something I'm looking for answers to as well. Silica." She said quietly. "When I find out, ill inform you. Aside from the people of the village, very few have been told.""and why was that? I always wondered why it was so important to keep it secret."I felt her tense the moment I asked the question. "I need you to promise me something."I don't respond, just waiting for her to continue."Promise you won't jump to conclusions. And know that no matter what may have been done, I love Artie with all of my heart.""I promise." I responded quickly. Looking into her eyes. "Artie was an accursed.”